How to Clean Glasses According to the One Person We Trust: a Warby Parker Employee
After a semester of organic chemistry spent squinting helplessly at the blackboard, I finally learned my “resting squint face” could be resolved with a pair of prescription glasses. It did not, however, help me understand stereochem any better, which is why I’m writing this piece and not working as a doctor. But after a decade-plus of wearing specs on the daily, I’m still at a loss for how to clean glasses correctly. Should I use a special lens cleaner? A microfiber cloth? My T-shirt?
To my relief, Brian Ziegler, director of lab operations at Warby Parker, shared with me his number one favorite way to clean glasses. And let’s be honest, if I’m going to take anyone’s advice on the matter, it’s this guy’s. The absolute best way to clean your glasses is to use any optician-approved eyeglasses cleaner and a microfiber cloth, he explained to me.
If you’re in a pinch and a lens cleaner is not available, fear not. Ziegler said you can wash your lenses by running them under warm water and applying a tiny bit of dishwashing soap to create a lather with your fingers on the lens. Then simply rinse and dry (with a clean microfiber cloth only!).
If you, like me, were wondering if you could just use your T-shirt, Ziegler says no, you cannot. Why’s that? Well, the fibers found in other materials (e.g., a T-shirt or a paper towel) can damage and strip away the protective coating on your lenses over time.
Noted.
If you’re ready to clean up your glasses for good, here are the products that will get your lenses crystal clear.
1. Clean My Lenses Kit by Warby Parker
All the cleaning supplies you need, all in one adorably designed set.
2. Parker Case by Warby Parker
Ziegler’s rule is that when your glasses are not on your face, they should be in a case. This Warby Parker one folds down flat so you can carry it with you without bulking up your purse or taking up precious space in your backpack. Simply pop it into shape when your glasses need a place to hang out.
3. Koala Kloth (6-Pack) by Koala Kleaner
Prone to losing microfiber cloths? Same, so I recommend buying a bunch of them at once. Or better yet, stocking up on a bundle of Koala Kloths, the most highly rated styles available. According to one reviewer, “These work better than the ones you get at the optometrist office (and I thought those were great!).”
4. Calyptus Eyeglass Lens Cleaner Spray Care Kit by Koala Kleaner
From the makers of the Koala Kloth, this plant-based nontoxic and alcohol- and ammonia-free cleaner is especially good for folks whose eyes get irritated easily.
5. Pre-Moistened Cleaning Cloths by Optix 55
Ideal for removing dirt, grime, residue and bacteria from your eyeglasses, sunglasses and even electronic device screens, these on-the-go wipes are perfect for germophobes. And everyone in the vicinity of a germophobe. The box comes with 400, so sharing is extremely easy.
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